What to do with weird recess in living room?

[fanjolina]

Our living room is a squarish shape, but on one side of the fireplace there is a recessed area. So, rather than there being a straight wall, it protrudes outwards (i.e. into garden) into a 1m square recessed area.

This was done for decorative effect, as there are 3 stained glass windows in the recessed area, from waist height to ceiling.

All very nice in theory, but completely impractical. I have no idea what to do with this part of the room. I did used to have a low level wine rack there. But now there is nothing and it just looks like weird wasted space.

Any thoughts on what to do with it?

built in window seat with storage underneath?

armchair and small artfully stacked pile of books?

Small desk with PC on, if you keep it in the living room?

Lots of plants?

Mazzy - we might be able to squeeze an armchair in there, but it is such a small space. Maybe a fancy highbacked chair - that's a thought.

raven - hadn't thought of plants, as I have an aversion to them as my mum had so bloody many. But that is a good idea.

If it helps to come up with ideas for me, I have made a very rough and ready sketch of the room in question - you can view it here

The room is very formal- it is our retreat away from children and toys. It has oak furniture, cream sofas and this wallpaper.

And the room looks good except for the stupid empty space!!

ive got the same type of thing in my house - i had glass shelves fitted and display ornaments/books/photos etc. looks really good. the joiner we had recommended glass shelves with brushed steel brackets - what about fitting shelves and using it as storage or to display things in the same way?

in the last house we had i had wooden thick shelves with lighting underneath. that also looked really nice.

Thats a good idea Tutu.

We have just bought a disply unit to go on one wall (which seems out of place due to the odd shape of the room, but ho-hum). We could have another display area in the stained light area too.

It sounds lovely!

Is there room for a tub chair rather than a full armchair? Plus the artfully stacked books?

Yes, a tub chair would work.

Thanks for all the ideas. Now to run them by DH and look up options online